No visit to New York City is complete without biting into a classic New York-style bagel—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and loaded with irresistible toppings. Whether you’re a bagel purist or an adventurous eater, Manhattan offers some of the most iconic bagel shops in the world.
In this guide, we’ll explore five of the most famous bagel spots in Manhattan, why they’re worth the visit, what makes them legendary, and what you absolutely need to order.
1. Ess-a-Bagel
Location: Midtown East & Stuyvesant Town
Established: 1976
Most Popular Item: Lox and Cream Cheese on an Everything Bagel
Ess-a-Bagel is a beloved NYC institution known for its giant, hand-rolled bagels that are both fluffy and flavorful. The texture is perfect: dense yet soft, with a chewy crust that New Yorkers swear by. Their classic combo of smoked salmon and scallion cream cheese on an everything bagel is a must-try.
Why visit? Generous portions, ultra-fresh bagels, and a nostalgic deli atmosphere make this a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
2. Russ & Daughters
Location: Lower East Side
Established: 1914
Most Popular Item: The Classic Bagel with Nova Lox and Cream Cheese
Russ & Daughters isn’t just a bagel shop—it’s a piece of NYC culinary history. For over a century, this family-run appetizing shop has been perfecting the art of smoked fish, cream cheese spreads, and traditional Jewish fare. Order The Classic, a bagel with silky Nova lox, cream cheese, tomato, and red onion.
Why visit? It’s elegant simplicity, rooted in tradition. Every bite tells a story of New York’s immigrant past.
3. Absolute Bagels
Location: Upper West Side
Established: 1990s
Most Popular Item: Plain Bagel with Housemade Cream Cheese
Tucked away uptown, Absolute Bagels is a hidden gem that attracts bagel lovers from across the city. Owned by a Thai immigrant, this shop is known for its super fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven bagels. The secret? They’re boiled and baked throughout the day, ensuring you’re almost always getting one that’s warm.
Why visit? No-frills, high-quality bagels with unbeatable freshness. Try them with their smooth homemade cream cheese for a classic experience.
4. Tompkins Square Bagels
Location: East Village
Established: 2011
Most Popular Item: Bacon, Egg, and Cheddar on a Everything Bagel
Modern, lively, and overflowing with unique flavors, Tompkins Square Bagels has carved out a space in NYC’s competitive bagel scene. With over 30 flavors of cream cheese, including birthday cake and wasabi, plus hearty breakfast sandwiches, it’s a brunch-lover’s paradise. Their bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel is the go-to.
Why visit? Bold flavors and creative combinations in a cool, downtown setting—it’s bagel heaven with personality.
5. Murray’s Bagels
Location: Greenwich Village
Established: 1996
Most Popular Item: Pumpernickel Bagel with Vegetable Cream Cheese
Murray’s is a favorite among locals who appreciate the shop’s refusal to toast bagels (unless requested)—because they’re fresh enough not to need it. Their chewy texture and deep flavor profiles make them some of the most traditional bagels you’ll find. The pumpernickel with veggie cream cheese is a standout.
Why visit? Traditional technique meets modern taste. A true Village staple with consistently great bagels.
Final Crumb: Where Tradition Meets Temptation
Bagels in Manhattan are more than just breakfast—they’re a way of life. Whether you’re hunting for a classic New York lox bagel or a unique, flavor-packed creation, these five iconic spots each offer something special. From century-old legacies to inventive newcomers, they all deliver that unmistakable NYC bagel magic.
Don’t just eat like a New Yorker—live like one. Grab a fresh, warm bagel, find a bench in Central Park or stroll down a quiet Manhattan street, and savor the bite that defines a city.